Co-authored by alum (and 2019 Honour Society member) Katherine Cooligan, LLB ‘89, and the Common Law Section’s former Mentor-in-Residence Orlando Da Silva, this compelling anthology delves into the deeply personal experiences of judges, lawyers and law professors from across Canada.
“It is such a privilege to join my co-authors in sharing our lived experiences with the goal of continuing the dialogue.”
Katherine Cooligan, LLB ‘89
"It is through sharing these stories that we, and others, know that we are not alone. There is strength in numbers and support in sharing vulnerabilities," shares Cooligan.
The candid and courageous memoirs aim to address and destigmatize the insidious nature of mental health and isolation in the legal community and offer a beacon of hope and a call to action for systemic change.
“By continuing the discussion and revealing our own vulnerabilities, including how we overcame some of our darkest moments,”
Orlanda Da Silva
"we hope to eliminate the stigma that keeps so many suffering in silence, never seeking the help they need," said Da Silva.
In addition to the real-life accounts, the book offers practical solutions to change the culture of legal practice, to shatter stigmas and to help people get the support they need. Quickly becoming an in-demand resource, the original print run was expanded to accommodate sales.
Here at the uOttawa Faculty of Law, we endeavor to pay particular attention to our students’ mental health and well-being. It's heartening to see those in our community who are driving meaningful change in the legal profession.
In support of the ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the importance of mental health, the royalties from book sales are going to The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).